The elections for the County Council come off to-day, and
it is almost useless to say a word about them, more especially as they are to be fought out on strict party lines. We may as well state, however, our own belief that the return of a majority of Moderates will be beneficial to London. With many of the ideas of the Progressives we coincide, especially in their demand for the inclusion of the City, and we would increase rather than diminish the powers of the Council ; but we think it dangerous during a wave of Socialist opinion to trust the vast resources of London to " dreamers of dreams." The Progressives would not only increase taxation too fast, but by undertaking vast public works they would draw new multitudes to London, who, the moment the works were -finished, would swell the ranks of the unemployed. That was what followed M. Hausmann's "improvements," and created the feeling among workers which led to the frightful experi- ment of " the Commune." How the workmen of London can wish for a new horde of competitors, we are unable to con- ceive; but the Progressive plans will inevitably bring one from all points of the compass.
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